Discovering the U.K.

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© 2016 Dwellworks Page 32 Discovering the U.K.
 Not cause disturbance, nuisance, or annoyance to neighbours
 Not smoke in any parts of the building that are shared with other tenants, even
though smoking may be permitted in your own accommodation
 Provide the landlord with access to the property for the purpose of inspection, or to
carry out repairs, as long as sufficient notice has been provided
 Give the agreed amount of notice to your landlord if you wish to terminate the
agreement and leave the property
 Not leave the property unoccupied for longer than 28 days without informing the
landlord or managing agent
Tenants should take measures to stop water pipes from freezing and bursting in bad
weather. Isolate outside taps using the isolator provided. It is advisable to keep the
thermostat on low heat while away. This can be done by leaving the loft hatch open if the
water tank is in the loft space. Your landlord will do everything reasonably possible to carry
out repairs, but neither party is responsible for providing alternative accommodation, nor for
compensation for inconvenience suffered.
If you plan to be away from the property for an extended period of time, advise your landlord
of this plan. Failure to do so could breach the terms of your agreement and the landlords’
insurance policy.
Money Laundering Regulations 2007 and Credit Reference Checks
Letting Agents have a legal duty to check the identity of potential tenants. They will be
required to see:
 Passport (or a certified copy)
 A valid photocard driving licence or a National Identity Card
 A copy of a utility company bill, mobile phone bill or bank statement (which must not
be more than three months old)
If you have a spouse or partner both of you must provide evidence of your previous address
so please ensure you have such proof (i.e., a utility company or mobile phone bill or bank
statement addressed separately to each of you) available when you arrive in the U.K.
This level of proof is required under the money laundering regulations and by the credit
reference company or by an insurance company which is providing rent and legal fees
protection policies to the landlord.
Insurance
If your property was “let furnished”, the buildings and contents of the property will be insured
by the landlord. However, it is useful to have your own contents insurance as this will provide
cover for any accidental damage you may cause to the landlord's furnishings and fittings
which would otherwise be claimed against your security deposit.
If your property was “let unfurnished”, you should take out a contents policy to insure your
own belongings. Try for a good comparison site.
You will need to provide certain information about the building which the agent can supply.